Tony Mitchell a University of Alabama freshman cornerback was suspended from “all team activities” on Monday according to head coach Nick Saban after he was arrested last Wednesday in Florida. However, what he said about the events, appeared to be a dig at a fellow Crimson Tide head coach.
Alabama’s men’s basketball coach Nate Oats got his team to the Sweet 16 with standout freshman Brandon Miller’s help. However, many believe that Miller shouldn’t be playing due to his role in the shooting death of 23 year old Jamea Harris.
Miller transported the weapon that was used in the January 15th killing to former teammate Darius Miles, the legal owner of the firearm, who then gave it to Michael Davis, the shooter. Miles and Davis both were charged with capital murder, but police were unable to charge Miller with anything.
Saban stated, “There is cause and effect when you make choices and decisions that put you in bad situations, Everybody’s got an opportunity to make choices and decisions. There’s no such thing as being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Oats chose to defend his player stating, “We know about that, Can’t control everything everybody does outside of practice. Nobody knew that was going to happen. College kids are out. Brandon hasn’t been in any type of trouble nor is he in any type of trouble in this case. Wrong spot at the wrong time.”
Oats clarified his statement later on saying, “I thought it was important for me to clarify the unfortunate remarks I made earlier. This entire time I’ve tried to be thoughtful in my words relative to this tragic incident, and my statements came across poorly, We were informed by law enforcement of other student-athletes being in the vicinity, and law enforcement has repeatedly told us that no other student-athletes were suspects—they were witnesses only. Our understanding is that they have all been fully truthful and cooperative.”
He added, “In no way did I intend to downplay the seriousness of this situation or the tragedy of that night. My prayers continue to go out to Jamea Harris’s family.”
Miller’s lawyer continues to claim that he was clueless the gun was in the backseat of his vehicle, adding Miles put it there without his knowledge. Since the incident occurred, Miller has continued to play and helped secure two wins so far in the NCAA Tournament over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Maryland.
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